Angénieux Optimo Ultra Compact 21-56mm by Angénieux, Zoom, available for cinema lens hire at The Front in Sydney
Modern Zoom

Angénieux

Angénieux Optimo Ultra Compact 21-56mm

16 – 42mm zoom T2.2 PL

Successor to the Academy Award-winning Optimo 15-40mm, completely redesigned from the ground up for Full Frame.

The Angénieux optical philosophy in miniature: a crafted balance between contrast and resolution that DPs describe as “creamy, warm, organic” with a “round and delicate roll-off.” Deliberately contained flare and CA for adaptability across lighting conditions. Among the lightest FF cinema zooms on the market at just 2.6 kg. A Steadicam and gimbal dream.

Character profile

How this lens renders.

2.6kg. Format-swap. 310° focus.

Five axes plotting how this set behaves wide-open vs a neutral modern reference. Larger area = more pronounced trait.

Talking points

Why DPs pick this set

  1. At 2.6 kg, among the lightest full-frame cinema zooms available.

    Ideal for handheld, Steadicam, and gimbal work

  2. IRO technology lets you swap between FF/VV and U35 formats in minutes

  3. 310° focus rotation with Angénieux’s precision rod-guided mechanical system

  4. Internal focus, internal zoom.

    No barrel extension, constant volume throughout the range

  5. Perfect colour and contrast homogeneity with the 37-102mm companion

Technical

Full specifications

Focal Range
21–56mm T2.9 (FF/VV) · 16–42mm T2.2 (U35)
Zoom Ratio
2.7×
Image Circle
46.3mm
Close Focus
2′ / 0.6m
Weight
2.6 kg / 5.7 lbs*
Length
235mm*
Front Diameter
114mm
Focus Rotation
310°
IRO
Yes: interchangeable rear optics for FF/VV and U35 formats
Metadata
Cooke /i Technology via 4-pin LEMO
Athermalization
Passive, –20°C to +45°C

Some figures here are marked *. Our sources disagree on those, so we're checking them against the lenses themselves. Ask us and we'll measure it for you.

Heritage

  1. Origin

    Successor to the Academy Sci-Tech Award-winning Optimo 15-40mm: completely redesigned from the ground up for Full Frame. The Optimo Ultra Compact line was Angénieux’s answer to the new generation of large-format cameras, compressing the famous Optimo character into a Steadicam-friendly weight class.

  2. Filmography

    Part of the Angénieux high-end Full Frame collection alongside the Optimo Ultra 12X and Optimo Prime Series. ASC President Kees Van Oostrum described the Angénieux look as “very kind… the way it treats skin tones.” That signature runs through every lens in the ecosystem.

  3. Build

    Modern manufacture. At 2.6kg, among the lightest full-frame cinema zooms available. IRO technology allows format swaps between FF/VV and U35 in minutes. Internal focus, internal zoom: no barrel extension, constant volume throughout the range. Matched to the 37-102mm companion for colour and contrast homogeneity.

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